individuation

[ in-duh-vij-oo-ey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of individuating.
2. state of being individuated; individual existence; individuality.
3. Philosophy. the determination or contraction of a general nature to an individual mode of existence; development of the individual from the general.

individuation

/ ˌɪndɪˌvɪdjʊˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of individuating
2. (in the psychology of Jung) the process by which the wholeness of the individual is established through the integration of consciousness and the collective unconscious
3. zoology the development of separate but mutually interdependent units, as in the development of zooids forming a colony

Other Words From

• de·indi·vidu·ation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of individuation¹

First recorded in 1620–30; individuate + -ion

Example Sentences

The individuation of man appears to consist in the union of a rational soul with any convenient portion of fitly organized matter.

From Project Gutenberg

Which is because individuation beyond the normal can only be achieved by drawing upon the vital potential of offspring.

From Project Gutenberg

Its reversal of the principle of individuation, causing excessive cell formation, produces more decidedly demonstrable effects.

From Project Gutenberg

From this it appears evident, that this principle is intended to succeed that of individuation, and never to precede it.

From Project Gutenberg

That wherever the principle of grouping acted with effect, it had always been preceded by the principle of individuation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• answer
• explanation
• interpretation
• rationale
• solution
• translation